Abeokuta, Jan. 26, 2026 (NAN) The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun chapter has announced plans to honour Gov. Dapo Abiodun, former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua and 45 others for their contributions to sports development in the state.
In a statement signed by the Secretary, Mr Segun Folarin, on Monday in Abeokuta, the award ceremony is part of activities lined up to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Ogun State.
According to Folarin, the ceremony is aimed at recognising outstanding achievements, long-term commitment and strategic support for sports and youth development within and outside the state.
He said the governor was being honoured for his administration’s sustained investment in sports infrastructure, improved athlete welfare and the revitalisation of major sporting facilities across the state.
He added that under Abiodun’s leadership, the state had hosted several national and international sporting events, further strengthening its position as a major sports hub in Nigeria.
“British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua, whose ancestry is traced to Ogun state, is also listed among the award recipients.
“Joshua is being celebrated for his global achievements in boxing and for serving as an inspiration to young athletes in Ogun state and across the country.
“The Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, will also receive an award for his contributions to sports administration and policy formulation, particularly in grassroots sports development and talent discovery.
“Also to be honoured is the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, in recognition of his support for sports development, youth empowerment and community development initiatives,” he said.
Folarin hinted that in the corporate category, Lafarge Africa Plc would be among the awardees, in recognition of its consistent corporate social responsibility initiatives and sponsorship of sports and community-based programmes in Ogun state.
“Other award recipients include Chief Segun Odegbami, Chief Wale Edun, Tobiloba Amusan, Sir Kessington Adebutu, Kunle Solaja and Churchill Oliseh among others,” he said.
Folarin added that the recipients cut across sports, governance, traditional institutions, corporate organisations and the media, saying they had all contributed to sports development and youth engagement in the state.
He quoted the planning committee chairman, Mr Razaq Ayinla, as saying that the awards were designed to promote sustained support for sports as a tool for social development, unity, and economic growth.(NAN)
